Traffic Detector Handbook

FOREWORD

The Traffic Detector Handbook is a product of the Federal Highway Administration technology transfer program. It is intended for use by traffic engineers and
technicians having responsibility for the design, installation and maintenance of traffic detectors.

Judicious application of the concepts and procedures set forth in the Handbook should result in improved installations of traffic detectors and a long–term
savings of public funds.

Other resources to assist with selection and installation and maintenance of traffic and vehicle detectors are under development. They include a Traffic
Detector Field Manual and a videotape training course. Both will be tied to the Handbook and will focus on practical considerations in installing and maintaining
detectors.

Sufficient copies of this Handbook are being distributed to provide a minimum of one copy to each FHWA regional office, division office, and State highway
agency. Direct distribution is being made to the division offices.

This handbook is a revised, updated version of the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Traffic Detector Handbook,
originally published as Implementation Package FHWA–IP–85–1. This upgraded version of the Handbook supersedes and replaces the
previous edition. It has been restructured, corrected, and revised to update discussions of concepts and equipment to reflect the current state of the
art, particularly as it relates to the microprocessor revolution, advances in control technology, and real–world application experience.

The overall objective of this Handbook is to provide a single resource and basic reference to aid the practicing engineer and technician in
planning, designing, installing, and maintaining detectors.

It provides a compendium of existing detector technology to facilitate the understanding of all aspects of detector systems. Best current practices
are described with emphasis on proper design, applications, and installation processes and techniques.